A Teacher's Perseverance | Story of the Week (Audio & Subtitles)

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“It could have stopped me, could have made me bitter. But to me, that’s just a challenge.”

Eunice Wiley was one of the first Black teachers at a predominantly white Florida elementary school in 1970. At the start, it was an uphill battle, but she persevered, retiring as a principal in 2005. At StoryCorps, she sat down with her friend and fellow teacher, Martha Bireda, to remember defining teaching experiences with her students.

Our Story of the Week, as heard on NPR Morning Edition Friday, February 24, 2023.

[andrewgooden]

Mrs. Wiley was my elementary school principal. She was wise and stern. She always treated everyone with respect, even the "trouble makers" and I see why. Thank you for those years at NAES.

[alarcon]

Making the world a better place one child at a time ❤

[sherrard]

You know she spoke to those kids with that same strong, warm voice . . .